From the Editor

Doug Archer

            Welcome to the IFRT Report. In addition to the obvious changes from issues to issue, we are constantly trying to vary and expand the mix of articles, news and reports. This issue contains many reports from the Orlando Conference, our Councilor and IFRT committee chairs. In addition for the first time we have included the minutes of the IFRT Boad Meetings so that you can get a flavor of the work done at conference and the issues addressed -- the inner workings of the Board, so to speak.

            Once again we have included an article on a current issue from a slightly different perspective to provoke us into fresh thinking. Though you will not find a section of “Favorite Intellectual Freedom Quotations,” this feature will return in the next issue conditional on one thing. You must send us some of your favorite quotes so that we can share them with the rest of the membership! Lastly, we have added a list of contributors with a little additional information about them when available.

            In addition to voting to fund an expansion of this publication as part of its efforts to further improve communications among IFRT members, the Board meeting in Orlando voted to make the IFRT list a members only discussion and information sharing list. That is, only members may post or otherwise participate on the list. Of course, not wanting to be a secretive group advocating intellectual freedom, non-members continue to be welcome to read current and archived postings (read only access). You may find further information on joining the list at http://www.ala.org/ala/ifrt/ifrtinaction/elist/elist.htm.

            And please, if you are not yet a member of IFRT, join us or get actively involved in the defense of intellectual freedom in some other way. The need has rarely been greater.

Doug Archer

Editor, IFRT Report

archer.1@nd.edu